Camping is done for many reasons. It could be for a family picnic, a friendly hangout, or just as a hobby. One common thing found in any camping trip is the tent. They come in various shapes, designs, and sizes.
If you’re looking to buy your first large tent, or in need of upgrading your current one, you’ve come to the right place!
We’ve done the research to narrow down the robust number of choices to three tents. We’ll describe each tent, its pros, its cons, and why you should buy it. Here’s a quick list of our top picks:
The 3 Best 14 Person Tents
We rounded up the top three choices for large tents on the market. Take a look!
1. Ozark Trail Base Camp
Ozark Trail Base Camp is one of the biggest family camping tents in the market. Its price is fair and it’s easy to find.
It’s a freestanding tent that comes with four rooms. Every room has an internal and external door, as well as three windows for a total of 12 windows.
It weighs 48 pounds when folded, making it a bit difficult to carry on the back, but it’s not impossible. That said, it’s preferable to car pack it for convenience.
It’s also advertised to be a three-season tent. So, it can withstand some rain and a little wind. The best part is that it’s spacious enough for 14 people to sleep comfortably inside.
Pros
- Easy to set
- Dividers between rooms for privacy
- Enough space for 5 queen-size mattresses
- External doors for added privacy
Cons
- Low wind resistance
2. Tahoe Gear Carson
Tahoe Gear Carson is a fantastic cabin-style family tent if you have a considerable amount of children. This multi-room tent consists of four rooms, six windows, and six doors for maximum privacy and ease of use.
Keep in mind that this tent is non-freestanding. Therefore, you’ll need extra space around the tent for anchorage.
When folded, it weighs a hefty 62 pounds, which is rather heavy to carry around in a backpack. You should consider this tent if you have a car to carry it around in.
This tent is made of a 1000mm thick polyester, making it more resistant to harsh weather conditions than your standard nylon family tent. It’s no surprise that it’s a three-season tent.
Pros
- Tall and spacious
- Strong resistance to wind and rain
- Large windows for excellent visibility
- Can be set up by one person
Cons
- At 62 pounds, it’s relatively heavy
3. Fortunershop Family Cabin Tent
The Fortunershop family cabin tent comes with a mesh roof and windows. It also features taped fly seams designed to help reduce leakage and boost the tent’s resistance to rain and wind. That said, it’s a 3-season tent as long as weather conditions are favorable.
This freestanding tent has four doors and 12 windows. It also comes with multiple hooks and pockets to carry your gear.
We also like that it comes with three room dividers. They make it easy to divide the tent into four separate rooms. Or, tie back the dividers to make one large room. As for dimensions, the floor is 20 x 20 feet with a maximum height of 78 inches.
So, how much does this huge tent take to set up? 20 minutes, more or less. That’s not bad, considering you can fit up to five queen air mattresses inside.
Pros
- Fly seams prevent leakage
- Room dividers
- Mesh roof and windows
- Plenty of storage space
Cons
- Lightweight fabric may not be suitable for heavy rains or wind
Before You Buy
Before you buy a large tent, you need to ask yourself a few questions. We’re going to cover some of them and tell you what to look for when shopping for your next tent.
How Much Are You Willing to Spend?
Are you on a budget? This is important to consider before you buy a tent.
There are many great tents out there that cost a bundle. However, there are also others that don’t miss too much on all the goodies, but have a much better price range.
When Will You Camp?
Most tents are fantastic in clear or slightly warm weather. Though not every tent can handle heavy rain, and most tents can’t withstand snow at all.
That’s not even mentioning windy weather. Many tents aren’t usually designed to be aerodynamic. Thus, too much heavy wind can easily knock them over.
Always check how many seasons the tent can withstand before you buy it. It’s worth mentioning that tents made for year-round use are usually on the more expensive side. So, that’s another thing to keep in mind.
Are You Backpacking or Car Packing?
The weight of a fully folded tent matters a great deal. It’s a given that you can carry most tents no matter how heavy they are.
Still, the heavier the tent is, the more of a toll it will take on your back. Plus, there’s also the chance it’ll slow you down. That’s why you should always check the tent’s weight before buying.
What Design Do You Prefer?
Tents come in various designs and shapes. Some are dome or tunnel-shaped. Others have a cabin-like feel, with multiple rooms, windows, and entrances.
It boils down to your personal taste. However, it’s worth knowing that the more curves your tent has, the more it should be able to resist the wind. So, that’s also something to consider.
Does it Have Enough Space for Your Gear?
Some tents are surprisingly large, yet with little to no pockets or lantern hooks. If you can place most of your gear on the ground, then any spacious tent would do.
However, you may have gear you’d prefer to hang up or place in pockets. More pockets and hooks mean more storage options, which is always nice.
The Verdict
So there you have it, three of the best 14 person tents in the market right now. Each stands out in its own way.
Are you looking for a tent with multiple rooms that’s both sturdy and user-friendly? Then, we recommend the Ozark Trail Base Camp.
If you love budget deals that give you a bang for your buck, then go with the Tahoe Gear Carson. It’s reliable, durable, and, best of all, budget-friendly!